Hyundai and Kia ABS Fire Recall Lawsuit: 'Park Outside'

The Fire Hazard

Hyundai and Kia recalled roughly 3.3 million US vehicles over a fire risk serious enough that they told owners to “park outside and away from structures” until repairs were done. The culprit is the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module: a seal (an O-ring) can let brake fluid leak inside the module, where it can cause an electrical short and ignite an engine-compartment fire — and, alarmingly, this can happen whether the car is being driven or parked and turned off. Because the danger persists even when the vehicle is off, parking outdoors reduces the risk of a fire spreading to a home or garage.

A car that can catch fire while parked and unattended is an unusually frightening defect.

The Recurring Problem and Litigation

Federal safety regulators opened an investigation into a long series of related recalls — more than a dozen, covering millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles — tied to brake-fluid leaks and fires, questioning whether the fixes have truly solved the problem, since the automakers have recalled vehicles for leaking ABS or brake components repeatedly over several years. Owners have brought class-action and product-liability claims, alleging the automakers sold vehicles with a known fire risk and were slow to fix it. Anyone whose car caught fire may have an individual claim for the resulting damage or injury.

The pattern of repeat recalls for similar fire risks is central to both the federal probe and the lawsuits.

What Owners Should Know

If you own an affected Hyundai or Kia, check your recall status with federal safety regulators using your VIN, follow any “park outside” guidance, and get the free recall repair done as soon as parts are available. Do not ignore a fire-risk recall — the hazard can occur while parked. If your vehicle caught fire, preserve it if you safely can, and keep records for an insurance claim or a potential lawsuit.